Schneier on Security

Richard Steven Hack • August 1, 2011 6:55 AM

Read the Shadowrun and Cyberpunk 2020 role playing games manuals and novels based on them.

Aside from the magic stuff in Shadowrun, we’re pretty much on track to produce the sort of society described in these RPGs over the next 20-30 years: no privacy, corporations run everything, drugged up gangs roam the streets, and if you want to survive you’d better be good with both computers and guns.

Beyond that, the manuals go into pretty deep detail on what it takes to be a hacker when there are security cameras on every block, when everyone is identifiable via a national ID system linked to every transaction you do, when every corporation has counter-hackers and automated defenses on-line – and can also send armed attackers after you a la what the Pentagon is currently aiming for.

From Cyberpunk V3 Core Rules:

Quote

To achieve the essence of 203X, you need to master three concepts:

1) Style over Substance
It doesn’t matter how well you do something, as
long as you look good doing it. If you’re going to
blow it, make sure you look like you planned it
that way. Normally, clothes and looks don’t matter
in an adventure—in this world, having a leather armor jacket and mirrorshades is a serious
consideration .

2) Attitude is Everything
It’s truth. Think dangerous; be dangerous. Think
weak; be weak. Remember, everyone in the 2000’s is carrying lots of lethal hardware and
high-tech enhancements. They won’t be
impressed by your new H&K smartgun unless
you swagger into the club looking like you know
how to use it—and are just itching for an excuse.
Never walk into a room when you can stride in.
Never look at someone unless you can make it
your best “killer” look. Use your best “I’m bad and
you aren’t.” smile. Don’t sit around the flat or
cube waiting for the next job. Get on out and hit
the clubs and hangouts. Make sure you’re where
the party starts.

3) Live on the Edge
The Edge is that nebulous zone where risk takers
and highriders go. On the Edge, you’ll risk your
cash, your rep, even your life on something as
vague as a principle or a big score. As a
Cyberpunk, you want to be the action, start the
rebellion, light the fire. Join great causes and
fight for big issues. Never drive slow when
you can drive fast. Throw yourself up against
danger and take it head on. Never play it too safe. Stay committed to the Edge.

Remember: The world of Cyberpunk is a violent,
dangerous place, filled with people who’d love to
rip your arm off and eat it. The traditional concepts of good and evil are replaced by the values of expedience—you do what you have to do to survive. If you can do some good along the way, great.

But don’t count on it.

End Quote

Richard Steven Hack • August 1, 2011 9:51 PM

It will be a while before assassins are “vat-grown” – since there are plenty of assassins to be found cheap these days and that probably won’t change.

On the other hand, as Chiun in “The Destroyer” series likes to say, “Why hire a cheap assassin for poor results?”

Also, given that many problems can be laid at the feet of CEOs, having a bunch of them get assassinated isn’t exactly a Bad Thing. That was an integral part of my terrorism plan back in the day. Given my dislike of Windows, you can guess who was at the top of the list. 🙂

The funny part of the Onion piece is that the corporate dystopia reads almost exactly like it is now – which I assume was the point of the piece. While some might take that to mean the future isn’t that bad, I’d say the opposite is true – it’s a demonstration of how humans will accept any dystopia if it’s sold right.

The Onion gets it right – the future WILL be a dystopia of some sort – until we Transhumans clean house (or just leave and let you all stew in your own mess.) That’s the one thing most future prognosticators always miss – they assume humans will stay human. Maybe most will – but some won’t. And those some are going to run the show.